Firing Systems Design and Testing Engineer

We have an opening for a Firing Systems Design and Testing Engineer in the Initiation Systems Group (ISG). ISG specializes in the design development and testing of advanced initiation systems for high-explosive applications. Our team designs and tests precision detonators firesets and firing systems leveraging pulsed power technologies to ensure safe reliable and high-performance initiation of energetic materials. ISG plays a critical role in advancing national security through innovation in explosive initiation science and technology. In this role you will provide highly advanced technical and administrative expertise and leadership for new and ongoing projects. You will oversee firing system assembly design research and testing using advanced manufacturing and diagnostic techniques for scientific and defense applications. Travel in support of programmatic deliverables is required. This position is in Defense Technologies Engineering Division (DTED) and supports the Strategic Deterrence (SD) Program.

Depending on your assignment this position may offer a hybrid schedule blending in-person and virtual presence. You may have the flexibility to work from home one or more days per week. 

This position will be filled at either level based on knowledge and related experience as assessed by the hiring team. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if hired at the higher level.

You will 

• With minimal direction take responsibility and apply comprehensive knowledge and judgement to:
  • Establish objectives
  • Prioritize parallel tasks
  • Allocate resources
  • Collaborate in the development of innovative methods/technology to guide the completion of projects and contribute to the development of organizational goals.
• Assist in maintaining and ensuring quality standards for deliverables publications and presentations.
• Support team members skills to successfully complete complex projects by ensuring excellence in execution of technical work in the program.
• Utilize existing work internal resources and partnerships to develop innovative capabilities to increase the impact of LLNL and lead the development of project portfolios.
• Conduct formal and informal design reviews and team efforts and provide guidance and technical direction in developing moderately complex pulsed power systems.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional job responsibilities at the SES.3 level 

• Provide advanced knowledge to resolve technical and programmatic issues using the broad application of technical concepts and techniques.
• Produce advanced conceptual and detail designs in support of on-going projects that require in-depth analysis and the creative use of established or innovative methods.
• Coordinate project interfaces and deployment interfacing with other organizations internal and external to the Laboratory and represent the organization as the primary technical contact on tasks and projects.
• Lead and/or provide guidance and technical direction to multidisciplinary project teams in a growing dynamic environment.

Qualifications :

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
• Bachelors degree in Engineering or related field or equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Broad experience in pulsed power engineering and design. Experience in pulsed power experimental test set up and in collection analysis and documentation of engineering and/or scientific data.
• Experience in designing and testing high voltage systems and diagnostics.
• Broad experience developing and implementing creative solutions to a diverse range of moderately complex problems..
• Experience interacting cooperating and advising with all levels of technical staff managers and vendors.
• Comprehensive knowledge of engineering design and engineering drawings including geometric tolerancing and dimensioning knowledge of machining processes mechanical fabrication and assembly materials properties and manufacturing methods.
• Broad experience managing projects with a high consequence of error with regard to safety.
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills necessary to effectively collaborate in a team environment and present and explain technical information.

Additional qualifications at the SES.3 level 

• Advanced knowledge of engineering hardware design fabrication or testing processes and the ability to meet schedule and deliverables for multiple concurrent projects with a range of priorities.
• Ability to lead manage and mentor junior team members.
• Advanced communication skills with proven ability to present concepts and ideas in a clear and coherent manner both verbal and written for presentation and interaction with other technical staff members and provide advice to management

Qualifications We Desire

• An active Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance or active Top Secret clearance issued by another U.S. government agency at the time of hire.
• Masters degree in Pulsed Power or Electrical Engineering or the equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Knowledge of electro-static discharge (ESD) controls and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC).
• Experience with system level design architecting and project management.
• Significant experience with complex technical project management including the use of Gannt charts and/or systems engineering.

Additional Information :

#LI-Onsite

Position Information

This is a Career Indefinite position open to Lab employees and external candidates.

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

• Included in 2025 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• Flexible Benefits Package
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
• Our values - visit  Clearance

  This position requires a Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance.  If you are selected we will initiate a Federal background investigation to determine if you meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information or matter. Also all L or Q cleared employees are subject to random drug testing.  Q-level clearance requires U.S. citizenship. 

  Pre-Employment Drug Test

  External applicant(s) selected for this position must pass a post-offer pre-employment drug test. This includes testing for use of marijuana as Federal Law applies to us as a Federal Contractor.

  Wireless and Medical Devices

  Per the Department of Energy (DOE) Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory must meet certain restrictions with the use and/or possession of mobile devices in Limited Areas. Depending on your job duties you may be required to work in a Limited Area where you are not permitted to have a personal and/or laboratory mobile device in your possession.  This includes but not limited to cell phones tablets fitness devices wireless headphones and other Bluetooth/wireless enabled devices.  

  If you use a medical device which pairs with a mobile device you must still follow the rules concerning the mobile device in individual sections within Limited Areas.  Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities require separate approval. Hearing aids without wireless capabilities or wireless that has been disabled are allowed in Limited Areas Secure Space and Transit/Buffer Space within buildings.

  Pre-Placement Medical Exam

  A job related pre-placement medical examination may be required.

  How to identify fake job advertisements

  Please be aware of recruitment scams where people or entities are misusing the name of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) to post fake job advertisements. LLNL never extends an offer without a personal interview and will never charge a fee for joining our company. All current job openings are displayed on the Career Page under Find Your Job of our website. If you have encountered a job posting or have been approached with a job offer that you suspect may be fraudulent we strongly recommend you do not respond.

  To learn more about recruitment scams:  Employment Opportunity

  We are an equal opportunity employer that is committed to providing all with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color religion marital status national origin ancestry sex sexual orientation gender identity disability medical condition pregnancy protected veteran status age citizenship or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.

  Reasonable Accommodation

  Our goal is to create an accessible and inclusive experience for all candidates applying and interviewing at the Laboratory.  If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or the recruiting process please use our online form to submit a request. 

  California Privacy Notice

  The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) grants privacy rights to all California residents. The law also entitles job applicants employees and non-employee workers to be notified of what personal information LLNL collects and for what purpose. The Employee Privacy Notice can be accessed here.

  
  

  Remote Work :

  No

  
  

  Employment Type :

  Full-time